The National Association of School Nurses Research and Evidence-Based Practice Priorities
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) encourages researchers and implementation scientists to invest in programs of inquiry with well-designed projects that build upon existing knowledge, meet growing evidence needs, and result in improved health and well-being of students, school communities, and school nurses. A range of approaches, including 1) multisite, longitudinal, mixed methods, and intervention studies and 2) evidence-based, outcomes-driven, and replicable quality improvement projects, are essential for the advancement of school nursing knowledge and its impact on NASN’s vision to keep students healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
In alignment with NASN’s Strategic Plan Goals, NASN champions scientific inquiry that addresses one or more of the following focus areas:
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Strategic Plan Goal
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Focus Area
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NASN prioritizes inquiry that addresses:
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Goal1 Engage school nurses in 21st Century Practice.
Goal 2 Pursue health, education, and social equity for students through shared leadership.
Goal 3 Secure foundational school health evidence.
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School Nurse Workforce
Funding for School Nursing Services
Student Well-being
Data & School Nursing Outcomes
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School Nursing Workforce: Advancing the understanding of the school nursing workforce factors and models of care that facilitate delivery of optimal school health services
Healthy Work Environment: Optimizing the work environment for school nurse well-being, professional impact, workforce diversification, practice at one’s full scope in alignment with the School Nursing Practice Framework™, and as a key member of the school health services team
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Economics of School Nursing Services: Securing sustainable funding, understanding drivers of funding, and demonstrating cost-effectiveness of school nursing services so all students can have access to high quality school health services led by a school nurse
Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health: Advocating for nurse-led school health services models of care that support health equity and reduce student inequities
School Violence, Disasters, and Emergency Response: Ensuring safe learning environments for students through equitable access to school nurses and interdisciplinary team collaboration
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Effectiveness and Outcomes of School Nursing Practice: Building evidence of school nursing’s contribution to effective school health services delivery, student learning, health, and school climate
Implementation into School Nursing Practice: Facilitating the uptake of evidence from school nursing and related services into practice
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Page last updated March 2025.